Columbia Gas Transmission is planning to install 8.8 miles of natural gas pipeline from the Eagle Compression Station to West Bradford.

According to Chevalier Mayes, communications manager for NiSource Gas Transmission & Storage, the pipeline, 26 inches in diameter, will affect 180 landowners in the pipeline’s right-of-way once construction for the project begins, which is anticipated to begin in April 2015. The pipeline is expected to be operational in September of that year, and would lie adjacent to an existing pipeline which is also owned by NiSource, parent company of Columbia Gas.

According to Mayes, the expansion project is a planned response for the need to meet increased demand for additional capacity in natural gas traveling through pipelines.

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Columbia’s next steps for the project will be to enter into the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s pre-filing process. The purpose of requesting entry into the commission’s pre-filing process is to allow stakeholder and environmental issues to be identified and resolved at earlier stages in the project’s development and planning. According to Martin Indars, spokesman for state Sen. Andy Dinniman, D-19th of West Whiteland, the pre-filing process is expected to begin later this month.

“This benefits all affected stakeholders and assists in the regulatory review and obtaining the necessary approvals and permits,” said Mayes.

According to Tommy Ryan, West Bradford township manager, Columbia representatives reached out to West Bradford’s government on Jan. 7 to explain the project, the survey process, and the company’s next steps.

According to Mayes, once they have entered into the pre-filing process, Columbia representatives will notify the public through open houses and other informational events. Those types of meetings will be ongoing throughout the project until the pipeline is operational. A toll-free number will become available at an unknown later date and company representatives will be available to answer any questions stakeholders may have.

“We’ll watch the project very, very carefully,” said Ryan.

According to Ryan, about 14 properties in West Bradford will be directly affected by the pipeline.

The pipeline will cross wetlands and waterways in the area; however, the exact number of crossings has not yet been determined.

The pipeline is part of Columbia’s Side Expansion project, which will feature looping pipelines in both Chester County and Gloucester County, N.J.

“Columbia is committed to the safe operations and the reliable transportation and storage of natural gas,” said Mayes. “The East Side Expansion project will be designed, permitted, constructed, and operated in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, requirements, standards, and guidelines pertaining to safety.”